Care of a child receiving Home Central Venous Line/Portacath Intravenous Therapy

Information for parents and carers

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Care of a child receiving Home Central Venous Line/Portacath Intravenous Therapy – PIAG 80 (136kB pdf)

Introduction

The aim of the leaflet is to support you whilst your child is receiving Home Central Venous Line / Portacath Intravenous (IV) Therapy.

If you notice any of the following, contact the Children’s Community Nurse:

• redness; oozing or pus; swelling or complaints of pain around the central line / portacath site; a red line along the skin around the site – known as “tracking” inflammation.
• your child develops a rash; itching; flushed face; diarrhoea; vomiting; headaches or nausea
• your child has a high temperature (more than 38°C)

If your child develops any of the following, dial 999 and tell the ambulance service that your child has received IV treatment at home:

• facial swelling
• noisy breathing
• wheezing
• difficulty in breathing
• severe shaking of the body
• your child is difficult to rouse and unresponsive.

To avoid potential problems:

• ensure that the central line / portacath is fully secured and taped to your child’s chest

• keep the line tucked away when not in use. Your child wearing a vest can help to prevent them fiddling with the central line

• don’t allow the ends of the central line/portacath to dangle down into your child’s nappy / groin area

• young children should not be allowed to pull or bite the central line / portacath

• never let the dressing get wet.  For advice on bathing or showering see information pack on central venous / portacath care

• do not use scissors anywhere near the central line / portacath

What to do if the central line/portacath is accidentally removed or falls out:

• cover the area immediately with sterile gauze and press firmly for a few minutes
• contact the Community Nurse

If your child has a central line then you will probably be advised to attend hospital to check that the site is alright – a stitch or a new central line may be required.

After you have telephoned for an ambulance contact the Integrated Children’s Community Nursing Team to inform them of the problem.

What to do if the central line/portacath should accidentally get cut or split

• immediately clamp the part of the central line/portacath above the cut
• wrap the open end in sterile gauze
• contact the Community Nurse
• If your child has a central line then you will be advised to bring your child to hospital where the central line can be repaired

What to do if the bung on the end of the central line/portacath should fall off

• wash your hands well
• clean the end of the central line/portacath with a chlorahexadine (cleaning solution) soaked sterile gauze
• apply a new bung.  You will have spare equipment at home

Storing medication and equipment

• All drugs and equipment should be stored in a clean dry place and away from children and pets at all times
• Drugs that need to be kept in the fridge are to be kept in the container provided by the hospital and kept away from food.
• Drugs that need to be kept in a cupboard should be kept clean and dry
• The nursing team will supply you with all the equipment needed to complete your child’s course of treatment
• Please read information pack on Central Venous Line and Portacaths then follow all advice

For further information

If you have any concerns please contact the Integrated Children’s Community Nursing Team by telephoning the contact numbers in the Integrated Children’s Community Nursing Team Information leaflet.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: 80